Mark Hunter MP

Local MP visits Stepping Hill Hospital

October 3, 2007 3:20 PM

Mark talking to a young patient, Callum, about his experience in hospital

Mark Hunter MP for the Cheadle constituency today made a scheduled visit to Stepping Hill Hospital which coincided with the launch of his constituency-wide health survey. The survey is being undertaken to seek the views of local residents on what they themselves think about local health services. An unprecedented response to this survey is currently flooding into the MP's office in Cheadle Hulme.

Mark with nurses at Stepping Hill Hospital

The visit to Stepping Hill Hospital included meeting Mr Enda Donegan, the head of performance who showed Mr Hunter the Theatres, Short Stay Surgical Unit and Cardiac Catheter Suite. Mr Rob Smith, the Associate Director of Medicine and Emergency Service then showed the local MP the Coronary Care Unit as well as Accident and Emergency. Finally Matron Anne Marshall accompanied Mr Hunter around the Tree House Children's Centre.

During the visit Mr Hunter had the opportunity to meet members of the hospital staff including doctors and nurses, as well as patients. Mark took the opportunity to ask both staff and patients their views of the hospital and health care in the area.

Speaking after the visit Mark said, "My family and I have used the local hospital for many years, but there is nothing like being able to see first hand the issues and challenges facing members of staff and patients at Stepping Hill. It was very useful to be able to make this personal visit, coinciding as it does with my local NHS survey.

Stepping Hill is a fine hospital, and our community should be proud that we have access to it and its hardworking staff. Like any hospital, it is however not without its challenges. We must continue to ensure that it improves, and that the Government commits to ensuring that resources are adequate for the wide range services that it provides.

Health services are a priority for me as a local MP, and I will continue to work to ensure that local residents' get the health services that they need and deserve."